Newsletter Archive

As the Chair of the upcoming Salvation Army of Palm Beach County’s “Paradise Ball,” a centennial celebration this December, I have received several questions about the appropriate attire for a White-tie Ball. White-tie has been around for centuries and is the most formal dress code. For ladies, a floor-length evening gown and jewels are appropriate, and for gentlemen, a black jacket with tails (tails reach the back of the knees), accompanied by a white tie. (As an alternative to tails, a black tie tuxedo may be worn but is considered less formal.) I will address attire details at a later date. Let’s discuss opera-length gloves! Opera-length gloves are de rigueur for a White-tie event. They reach over the elbow and are the epitome of formal elegance. Ever since Queen Elizabeth II’s honeymoon, Cornelia James, who holds a Royal Warrant, made her gloves for over 70 years. I had the brilliant honor of

Who is the mastermind behind THE New York Social Diary? I found out firsthand that David P. Columbia is a genius at storytelling. Imagine that! Our interview lasted two hours, but it felt like two minutes! The nature of social journalism is people interested in other people!  In 2000, David Patrick Columbia (DPC) created his legendary weekly online newsletter, the New York Social Diary (NYSD), where he cleverly chronicles NYC’s social, historical, and cultural life, because people have aspirations and want to be inspired! There is a fine line between having a gossip publication and a socially informative one, the latter of which is the essence of NYSD. David’s writing is like fine wine. It tastes like velvet with subtle but complex nuances, with just the right touch of intrigue.  With one sip, you’ll only want more! Holly: I admire how you do not disparage people in NYSD. There is

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the epitome of GRACE. “Grace” is described as dignity, elegance, and poise.  Her noble pledge of duty, loyalty to country, and quiet humility as the longest reigning British monarch, will continue to be revered and admired worldwide. She was remarkably hardworking, a selfless symbol, a genteel constant in this ever-changing world. She represented the essence of how one should conduct themselves. Queen Elizabeth II has exemplified “grace under pressure” with her principled composure and calming presence. Good manners are about being respectful, and placing duty and others before oneself— politeness, respectfulness, and diplomacy. The world has been most fortunate to witness the long life of The Queen as a role model, leader, and guiding light of kindness and strength. There will never be another like you, Your Majesty.  You respected the crown; you made it sparkle. God Save The Queen. And, Long Live His

Do you think receiving lines are passe’?  On the contrary, I believe they continue to serve a charming purpose, relaying a stylish and gracious air to commence a party, especially for an event with fifty or more guests.  A receiving line at a reception, a wedding, or a funeral, is a brilliant and cordial way of enabling the guests to shake hands and introduce themselves to the hosts and thank them, wish them well at a wedding, or offer condolences at a funeral. A receiving line is de rigueur (required etiquette) for most regal, military, or formal official celebrations. Quite often, an “announcer” at the start of the line does not shake your hand but listens to your name, which you enunciate clearly. Then, the announcer will present you to the host, to whom you shake hands, and the host then introduces you to the guest of honor or person

Hooray! It is the Salvation Army of Palm Beach County’s 100th anniversary! A momentous occasion deserving of a grand celebration. The Salvation Army was founded in London in 1865, and in 1922, the Palm Beach County location was established. Their motto is “Doing The Most Good,” and they do! As the appointed Chairwoman of the Salvation Army of Palm Beach County’s centennial gala, I am simply thrilled and honored.  I have a BRILLIANT committee to assist me, and we are eager to serve this stellar, worldwide organization. With the myriad of creative aspects and details required to plan a Ball for 400+ guests, I thought I would share, in a few of my upcoming newsletters, some of the tasks we will encounter and also, have accomplished.  From securing donors and sponsors to pay for the celebration, to the protocol of writing a letter to H.M. The Queen, finessing the wording on

Do you know how to needlepoint?  With fall in our near future, summer is a grand time to commence a needlepoint project and happily stitch your way into the next season. And with that in mind, if you are a fast and seasoned stitcher, consider having a bespoke pillow made with your creation just in time for the holidays to either give yourself or to a loved one as a meaningful gift. Needlepoint pillows are a timeless staple in classic, preppy interiors as well as in noble residences, especially when they are made by a member of the household. The design you choose can pique a conversation around the story of what inspired you to create it. They can also provide a touch of whimsy in a room. I devoted an entire chapter to needlepoint pillows in my first book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room, because I adore them